The Poems of James Russell Lowell, Crowell Edition, c.1898

Story

In 1898, James Russell Lowell was a literary titan, one of the 'Fireside Poets' whose works were read aloud by families across America. This specific edition was crafted by Thomas Y. Crowell, a publisher who transformed from a humble bookbinder into a powerhouse of 'standard' literature, making high-quality poetry accessible to the growing middle class.

Maker / Origin

Thomas Y. Crowell began his career as a bookbinder's apprentice in 1834 and eventually built one of the most successful publishing houses in New York. He was famous for his 'Astor' and 'Gladstone' editions, which used high-quality bindings to give affordable books the look and feel of a private library's treasures.

Condition & Value

The volume shows visible wear and fraying at the top of the spine, which is common for books of this age. The gold gilt on the cover remains remarkably bright, though the internal binding may be starting to loosen. This wear reduces the value by approximately 30% compared to a 'fine' copy.